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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Shannen Kern

Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets #1)Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book blew me away! I have read books by this author before, but none quite like this one. I liked that it is a little bit longer than my regular go-to books, but it is actually a combination of two books: Wayward and Undercover. When I say I couldn’t put this down, I mean literally. I skipped a meal and kept right on going because I was too invested in what was going on and what would happen. We read about Jay and Sasha in the first story and then Matt and Marenah in the second. Both are quite suspenseful, full of action and steam! I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us with the next book. Pick this one up now so you can be caught up in time!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Aranza

Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets #1)Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whispered Surrender: A Dark Mafia Romance (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari

4 out of 5 stars

As usual, another great story from this author. Whispered Surrender has all the things you need in a Dark Romance. I enjoyed reading the story and all the action and drama in it. I highly recommend reading anything by this author but this is a good one to start. If you are looking for action, danger, suspense, and lots of steamy scenes this is a great choice.

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Song of Earth and Claws (Faelands Series) by Lena Abram – Review by Alyssa McLean

Song of Earth and ClawsSong of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Every man is a risk, you should always be worried.”

This book is AMAZING!
There was a lot of information to digest in the beginning but after that the book is a very easy read. I binged it in a day. The characters were very likeable. The cover is very pretty. The humor was great. I wish the next book was out already. I wanted to stay in that world longer!

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Song of Earth and Claws (Faelands Series) by Lena Abram – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

Song of Earth and ClawsSong of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really got entranced with this book starting from the first page. It proves that no matter if someone is blood related to you you still can’t trust them. The only person you can depend on is yourself. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author series or other books. I really loved how captivates and fascinated this book kept me.

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A King So Savage (The Savage Duet) by April Moran – Review by Jessica Stone

A King So Savage (The Savage Duet #1)A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A King So Savage (The Savage Duet) by April Moran – Review by Jessica Stone

This book was terrific, I loved every single moment of it to be honest. If you looking for a spicy, reluctant, forced proximity, touch her and die, contemporary dark twisted romance, this is the book for you. I honestly didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but it defiantly gave some Den of Vipers/Haunting Adeline vibes with the main characters King’s obsession with his captive Ava. This story was masterfully done, the relationships between characters were steamy, an antsy, dark and dangerous, it really just checked all the boxes for me. King being this kind of morally gray character and Ava being portrayed as this naive girl, who should known better but somehow doesn’t and coming to terms with who she really is as she grows throughout this book under Kings dare I say tutelage was enjoyable to read.

The premise of this story is basically Ava is kidnapped by King to pay off her brothers debt to him. They know each other from the past, he’s always been attracted to her but never acted on that attraction, until now.
I will say this isn’t for the faint of heart and by that I mean make sure to check out the trigger warning provided by the author but don’t let them dissuade you from reading this book. If you do, you are definitely missing out.

I don’t know much about this author, but this book was very well written in my opinion, it flowed cohesively, the plot and story were there and the “romance” was just right. I’m absolutely interested in reading more from this author if this is what her writing is like. Once I picked this booked up it was a struggle to put it down and do other things with my day, I devoured this book.

A King So Savage, The Savage Duet, April Moran, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Jessica Stone, December 2023

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The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 3) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Betsy Melano

The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 3)The Magic Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

David has been away in Africa for several years as a doctor treating those in need. The family is trying to figure out why David seems so different from the smart kid who wanted to help others. Maddie is a young actress who is contemplating life as she knows it now and how long she can continue on her path. As with the other books in this series, the author does a beautiful job of character and world building. The Olympic peninsula and the O’Connell family and friends make these book not only fun to read but suck you into the story so you will want to read all 3 books in a day if you could.

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The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Betsy Melano

The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 2)The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of Liam and Teresa finding their way to each other through some ups and downs. The story continues from the first book in the series “The Silent Woodsman” however, this book can be read as a stand alone. I actually read the books in the wrong order and had no issues following all the characters. The author does a beautiful job of world and character building. The story takes a bit of time to read but it’s full of family moments and moments when characters step up and out of their comfort zones. I really enjoyed reading the book.

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Betsy Melano

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by this author. She writes so beautifully that I can imagine being in the beauty of Washington State and the Olympic Peninsula. I really enjoyed the fact that the author wrote this book taking place in a earlier era where no one has a cell phone.
In the first book of this series, Ali Ryan is attempting to connect with her twin brother Liam who has been in an accident. She travels into the woods to find a way to “hear” her brother who she knows is alive after the tragedy even though they are on opposite sides of the world. Instead she meets a man resting in a cabin who can’t use his voice. How will this man chance meeting change their lives?

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Song of Earth and Claws (Faelands Series) by Lena Abram – Review by Jenni Bishop

Song of Earth and ClawsSong of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Song of Earth and Claws is Lena Abrams new romantasy world book. This is a good start to this series.
This high fantasy tale is set in a world where magic is the norm and the worldbuilding is done well. The story is well-written and easily imagined.
Lena certainly puts the characters through their paces in this magical journey. It kind of reminds me of a cross between Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games and GOT all rolled into one. There are strong heroines that are interesting and intriguing characters.
With Games a foot it’s do or die time, but does Lannahi have what it takes to win or will all be lost with her. Rules, what rules? Has she taken on more than she can handle? To find out you will need to read this little gem.
The stakes are high in this magical world where enemies have their own agendas, power, and greed. A world with elemental magic, magical creatures, wolves, Fae, games, slavery, along with lies, secrets, deceit, danger, death, hopes, dreams and more. Loyalties will be tested. Trust needs to be gained and want is a powerful motivator.
I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book and the story becoming more settled in terms of build-up and pacing.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Michelle Troyer

Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets #1)Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is two stories in one book. The first is Sasha and Jay. The second is Marenah and Matt. They intertwine with each other. Both are filled with hot and steamy bedroom scenes, danger and suspense. Both are excellent reads. Could not put the book down it was so engaging.

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A King So Savage (The Savage Duet) by April Moran – Review by Katie Matthews

A King So Savage (The Savage Duet #1)A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a story to finish my 2023 reads with. I loved this story from beginning to end. It was exciting, dark, dangerous and so much more. I have to say I LOVED Ava! She was so fun to read about. She was not going to lie down and take whatever King threw at her, she definitely had a backbone and stood up to him. King is one of those characters that you know you shouldn’t like but can’t really help it – he is dark and he is absolutely a villain – he is not a nice person but his protectiveness of Ava to some extent makes him a little bit likeable. The cliff-hanger at the end has me eagerly anticipating book 2!

@katiem
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A King So Savage (The Savage Duet) by April Moran – Review by Kerry Carr

A King So Savage (The Savage Duet #1)A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what can I say about this book. It had me gripped from the first page and didn’t let go. It is book 1 in The Savage Duet and I definately can’t wait to read the second part.
The is a very dark romance. The main male character Kingston is a very dark character. Some may even call him sadistic. When it comes to Ava he is very controlling and he wants her complete submission no matter what it takes to get it.
Ava is also a strong character. I love how feisty and determined she is to protect herself and defend herself however even all Ava’s strength and determination can’t stop her from falling for the one man she hates and dispises.

Ava and Kingston’s paths crossed years earlier when Ava was a young teenager. Ever since that day Kingston was wanted her but out of respect for her father he never made a move. Now with Ava’s brother owing him money he sees his opportunity to finally get the woman he wants whether she is willing or not.
It’s simple if Ava’s brother pays off the debt he will release Ava, if the debt isn’t paid then Kingston will sell her to the highest bidder. However as feelings start to grow Kingston realises that no one is ever going to have her but him.

However Ava isn’t as willing to go along with this plan. When she is kidnapped she tries everything in her power to escape and she proves herself to be defiant to every things Kingston tells her to do. However it’s not long before she can no long deny how her body reacts to him and as much as her head is telling her to fight against it and him, her body is rebelling at every turn.

This is a dark steamy romance with some topics some people may not enjoy reading. There is the captive/abductor story as well as violence that some readers may feel triggered by.
Overall for me I loved it. The whole cat and mouse feeling to it and how they both tested each other is really what captivated me in the story. I can’t wait for the next one

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Song of Earth and Claws (Faelands Series) by Lena Abram – Review by Shelly Kittell

Song of Earth and ClawsSong of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lannahi turned out to be a strong character that many underestimated. This story at times felt like a milder version of Game of Thrones (cleaner). Who could she trust? I felt her siblings were lying and manipulative jerks. The one she thought she loved turned out to be be a putz. Duals weren’t good but she had to do it to survive. An action filled story with drama, a little romance, and fantasy that made for a really exciting book that I couldn’t put down. The characters were well developed. You could feel from their descriptions what kind of person they were. This is a cool book and well worth the read.

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A King So Savage (The Savage Duet) by April Moran – Review by Katy winter

A King So Savage (The Savage Duet #1)A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although it took a bit to get into, once I got into it. I could not put it down. I devoured the last 50% + in a night / morning. I cannot wait to read the second part. Watching Ava change and her character development was amazing!! My heart broke for her a few times but it did for Kingston also. They honestly are perfect for one and other in a very complex way. The book is dark and definitely intended for mature adults. Enemies to lovers! Which can be very triggering. April’s writing style is unique but it was great. Bring on #2!

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Jade: Hidden Scars: A Forbidden Age-Gap Romance (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Angela Shirley

Jade: Hidden Scars: A Forbidden Age-Gap Romance (Book 1)Jade: Hidden Scars: A Forbidden Age-Gap Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Naseer was a bad boy playboy until one faithful night when he had a horrendous motorcycle accident trying to piece his life back together is difficult until one night a chance meeting and three little words changed the course of his life forever.

Jade was lost in a world with no one, after her parents died she was lost in a world trying to make sense of it all, until one chance meeting with Naseer changed her life forever.

But will the worlds they live in try and keep them apart?

This is the first book I have read by this author and although it had me gripped with the initial story I felt it lingered on to long. The chemistry between the characters was off the charts and the interaction between the two was brilliant to read. I loved the frustration that Naseer held with Jade as only an older person could with a younger naïve views but this added to the drama of the story.

The frustrating part for me was his father and although you want your children to follow your wishes for him to subject them both to the drive to pull them apart added to the overall drama of the book, aswell as the secondary characters. This book was brilliant to read and leaves you wanting more at the end. I can’t wait to read book 2 in this series.

Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Maikalani Alexander

Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Delectably dark and delicious isla does it again with winter and Shane ! In this duet of Shane’s POV this serious keeps you clutching your pearls and breathless. A bully romance with a HEA.

Danger is here and it’s clouding Shane’s mine. Winter can’t be forgiven for her past can she ? What happens when it all comes tumbling down. Will winter pay for something out of her control ?

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A King So Savage (The Savage Duet) by April Moran – Review by Callie Luna

A King So Savage (The Savage Duet #1)A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ava Bella Blue is taken as collateral due to her brother’s massive debt he owes to Kingston Vaughn Winter. Kingston gets to decide Ava’s fate but in the meantime that doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy himself. What will he decide to take from Ava?

I enjoyed how strong Ava is and how much she fights Kingston to get free of his clutches. Kingston is strong, dominating, and controlling. He won’t take no as an answer. The viewpoint changes between Ava and Kingston so you can get deep into the action. The scenes are good but since it is dark it puts me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read the next book since it ends on a minor cliffhanger.

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Song of Earth and Claws (Faelands Series) by Lena Abram

🧚 ➹⁀✵‿➹⁀♥️ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ♥️ ➹⁀✵‿➹⁀ 🧚

   

Song of Earth and Claws (Faelands Series) by Lena Abram

Amazon – https://a.co/d/9UwfVoZ

#ontour #ItsyBitsyBookBits #ItsyBitsyBookBitsPromotions #BookSpotlightShowcase #SongofEarthandClaws #FaelandsSeries #LenaAbram #FaeRomance #Fae #Romance #romantasy #romantasybooks #romanticfantasy #adultfantasy

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Genre – Fae Romance

Page Count – 299

Cover Designer – Maria Spada

Goodreads – Song of Earth and Claws (Faelands Series) by Lena Abram

Bookbub – Song of Earth and Claws (Faelands Series) by Lena Abram

In a world where kingdoms are won in a Game, believing that everyone will follow the Rules is hazardous. When Lannahi discovers that she is a pawn in the perfidious plan of the man she once loved, she has only one option—in order to save her family, she must take part in the Game herself.

But no one can win alone.

Lannahi has to duel to take power, but she will need allies to retain it. The interest she sees in the wolfish eyes of a recognized warrior gives her hope, though she doesn’t lower her guard. The man has connections with the court of the most powerful ruler in the region where lies the city she intends to conquer. She doesn’t know where his loyalty truly belongs, but she knows that the love of a fae usually has fangs.

The Game starts.

Losing means slavery.

Losing means death.

~ AMAZON ~





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Lena Abram writes romantic fantasy novels where the world is complicated, magic is taken seriously and emotions fight beastly duels with reason. As traveling is her favorite hobby, she often sends her characters on a journey, but they are characterful and don’t always agree to take the designated path. So, though she enjoys reading about travel adventures and love burning slowly, it may happen that the plot of her own book will get stuck in one place and produce sparks sooner rather than later (but it is not guaranteed that the place will not move on its own or that the sparks will not ignite hatred). Lena has also a weakness for fairies, so if you decide to enter the portal leading to the worlds created by her whimsical imagination, be prepared to meet at least their mixed-blood descendants.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH LENA ABRAM

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Hannah Porter

Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets #1)Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author Via Mari is fastly becoming one of my favorite go to authors to read. From the book I just finished Rule:Brutal Kings to the awesome Sicilian Gods series and more. They are all super good and well written , making you wanna dive in and not come up for air until you’re done and ready for the next book. So you know I just had to pick up this one. Whispered Surrender is the first book in the Sinful Duets books, it has two books in it The Wayward and Undercover. This duet got me caught hooked line and sinker. They follow Jay and Sasha: and Matt and Marenah. The two books intertwined with the lead females being twin sisters. Both stories were, omggggg, amazing and you’ll be glad that you get the books in one package so you won’t have to wait to read the second one. I can’t wait to read more book duets.

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The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 3) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Hannah Porter

The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 3)The Magic Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Magic Man is book 3 of this Olympic Peninsula series. It follows the O’Connell siblings David, Maddie and the love triangle between them and Kilo. I was super duper excited to read this one after finishing the last two. This whole series is so well written and so well described that it makes me wanna go there for a visit 😂 I was happy Maddie ended up with who I wanted ( you’ll have to read to see lmao) . This can also be read as a standalone just like the rest but as always I highly suggest reading the whole series because they are awesome sauce. I can’t wait for more from this author

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Jade: Hidden Scars: A Forbidden Age-Gap Romance (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Ayla Phipps

Hidden Scars (Jade #1)Hidden Scars by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Slow burn. Growth. Twists. This is the first book I have read by the undeniably talented A Akinosho. While at first, I was iffy on the age gap between a sixteen- and twenty-six-year-old, the fact that the book covered years made it more understandable and a clear love story to overcome all. That said the book was not illicit but more of a Romeo and Juliet type story. The dual perspectives of Naseer and Jade take you on a rollercoaster of friendship turned more.
Naseer is one of the Princes of Rhanaz. A race challenge with his best friend Brian lands him in several casts and bedridden for months. While Naseer had fully isolated himself from his friends he had become very angry, helpless feeling and completely hopeless, until. Jade (Mariam) at the age of sixteen had her entire world crash down around her. Her parents killed in a house fire, leaving her friends, and moving to a new country, and starting over at a new school as the one percent of the one percent for the poor girl in the school. When she first meets Naseer it’s an accident she needed to pee and accidentally found his room and couldn’t wait. In a moment of surprise to himself Naseer says three words that start the epic love story. “Sit with me” that’s all it took for them to both find someone to bring smiles back into their lives. After losing her parents Jade questioned if she could join them and Naseer questioned why he was still alive after the horrific accident. Jade gave him the biggest gift, Hope. He gave her someone she could drop her shield around and finally feel at peace and things be easy. Unfortunately, darker forces were against them and over the course of high school to college everything would change and change again.
Who are the dark forces that are determined to keep them apart? Can they find a way back to each other? The emotions behind the characters are real and deep. I felt my heart break for Jade at the news of her parents. My heart ached for Naseer when he felt hopeless time and time again as the world and dark forces found every way to stop him from being happy. The moment hope was restored the book ended and I instantly stared into space ready for book two. What secrets will be revealed and will Naseer and Jade finally get there happily ever after? Book two Jade: Chances are available now; I’ll see you there.

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The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 3) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Manda Kelly

The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 3)The Magic Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Take me back!!! Whew. I love this author, I love this series. Here we are, book 3… David and Maddie (and Kilo…kinda) While this is the 3rd book, you COULD read it alone, but by reading the whole series, you truly get the whole picture, and understand more of the little things between the characters. I didn’t think I’d love another book more than the 1st, but this one is fighting REALLLLLLLY hard for that spot. If you love a great romance, with a little bit of a mystery and alll the good stuff in between, you wont wanna miss this series, or, just this book, (but absolutely read the series if you have the time!!)

Review By
Manda Kelly

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A King So Savage (The Savage Duet) by April Moran – Review by Felicia Bates

A King So Savage (The Savage Duet #1)A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A King So Savage was the first book I’ve ever read by April Moran as well as the first book in the Savage Duet. Having never read this author before, I wasn’t sure what to expect but found myself impressed quickly. The story picks up immediately and leaves you invested until the cliff hanger ending. This is not a book trope I choose to read often so I
welcomed the change of pace. I have read so many books lately that are written in alternating perspectives, I enjoyed that this book wasn’t written that way. While the book was fast paced, dark and entertaining, my favorite aspects were the little things like the playlist at the beginning of the book and the
way each chapter begins with italicized phrases. I look forward to reading book two.

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The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 3) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Shannen Kern

The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 3)The Magic Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve loved each book in this series, but this may be my favorite so far! In this book we focused on David and hearing about his experience as a doctor in Africa. Maddie and Kilo are also a focus in this story, and it will have you on the edge of your seat forgetting about your real-world duties for a bit. The author sets the scene with such vivid imagery that I felt like I was fully immersed in the Pacific Northwest! While you can likely read this as a standalone without much confusion, I highly recommend reading from the beginning to get the full backstory and experience. Don’t skip this series!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 3) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 3)The Magic Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Olympic Peninsula series. Although you could read each as a standalone, the previous characters do cross over, and you gain a deeper understanding of previous events and the characters by reading in order. This book focuses on David and Maddie coming together.
David has returned from Africa altered, to the concern of his family and meets Maddie. Instant chemistry. Unfortunately, David is taken and so Maddie decides to move on but isn’t necessarily being true to herself. As usual the author writes in such an engaging and easy flowing way it is so easy to get lost in the story and invested in the pair’s lives. The way the character’s secrets are slowly revealed and the truth of who they are, and their lives is developed is well-written and I didn’t want to put the book down.
The descriptive narrative, which is what hooked me in the first book, continues to bring the scenery and characters to life as the series progresses and I can’t help but wanting more!

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Jade: Hidden Scars: A Forbidden Age-Gap Romance (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Hidden Scars (Jade #1)Hidden Scars by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a real page turner, with likeable and relatable characters and an intriguing storyline which kept me captivated throughout. Nasser and Jade meet when they are both a little lost and broken, Nasser’s days of being an alpha are over and he’s resigned himself to staying hidden, whilst Jade is the girl from the ‘other’ side. When Nasser says to Jade “Sit with Me”, everything changes for them both, but Jade always knew it would only be temporary as she was the girl everyone thought was unworthy of him, however, Nasser had other ideas. This romance was full of drama and suspense and the storyline took me on an emotional rollercoaster. The chemistry between Nasser and Jade sizzled off the page and I loved the forbidden element of their story. As this is the first book in a series I look forward to seeing how their relationship develops.

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Faida (Heartstrings Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Carrie Cross

Faida (Heartstrings Book 2)Faida by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Faida (Heartstrings Book 2) by Brooke May is a breathtaking continuation of the Heartstrings series, delving even deeper into the lives of the characters we grew to love in the first book. This installment follows Faida, a strong and resilient woman determined to find her own path in life.
May’s writing continues to be captivating, with her ability to evoke emotions and paint vivid imagery with her words. The author effortlessly transports readers into the world she has created, making it feel real and tangible. Faida’s story is filled with ups and downs, heartache, and triumphs, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end.
The character development in Faida is exceptional. Faida herself undergoes a remarkable growth throughout the book, grappling with difficult choices and facing her own demons. Supporting characters from the previous book return, their stories intertwining and adding layers of depth to the narrative.
The romance in this installment is beautifully executed, with a slow-burn build-up that adds to the intensity of the emotions. May’s ability to convey the intricacies of love and relationships is commendable.
Overall, Faida (Heartstrings Book 2) is an emotionally charged and captivating novel that will leave readers eager for more. Brooke May’s masterful storytelling and well-developed characters make this a worthy addition to the Heartstrings series.

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Aiko (The Heartstrings Series Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Carrie Cross

Aiko (Heartstrings #1)Aiko by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Aiko (Heartstrings Book 1) by Brooke May is a beautifully written and emotionally charged romance novel that tugs at the heartstrings. Set in a small town, this book follows the story of Aiko, a young woman trying to navigate the complexities of love and life.
May’s writing style is captivating, drawing readers in with its poetic prose and heartfelt storytelling. The author effortlessly captures the raw emotions and vulnerabilities of the characters, making them relatable and easy to connect with. Aiko is a well-developed and likable protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery is authentic and inspiring.
One of the strengths of this book is the depth and complexity of the characters. May has created a cast of supporting characters that add depth and substance to the story. Each character is intricately woven into the narrative, their own stories intertwining with Aiko’s in compelling ways.
The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with a mix of tender moments, dramatic twists, and introspective reflections. The writing flows smoothly, making it difficult to put the book down once started.
In summary, Aiko (Heartstrings Book 1) is a beautifully crafted romance novel that explores the complexities of love, self-discovery, and second chances. Brooke May’s evocative writing style and compelling characters make this a must-read for fans of the genre.

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets #1)Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whispered Surrender is a spicy dark romance about a bodyguard and an illegitimate Russian mafia princess. Jay is a bodyguard for some very powerful people. As he is watching one of his clients, he falls in love with the woman who the client was sleeping with, Sasha. Sasha is a broken ballerina after any attention she can get due to being discarded by so many men and even her father. What she doesn’t know is that Jay has been watching her and believes there is chemistry there. He becomes “obsessed” with making sure his “angel” is safe. For much of the book, Sasha struggles with the fact that someone could actually want her to want her, so you find her pushing Jay away but still falling for him at the same time. In all of this love struggle, Jay is also trying to keep her safe because there is someone out to get them but they can’t quite figure out who, due to so many enemies. Will he be able to keep her safe? Will she be able to allow him to love her? Will the two be able to find a balance between chaos, hurt, and romance?
There were many things I liked about this story and a couple of things I didn’t. This author is a favorite mafia storyteller of mine so I will always read one of her books. One good thing, about the book, was the spice. Ohhh there were so many good spice scenes. I liked the power/submissive roles played by the characters, as well. If you don’t like that type of trope this is not the read for you because there is a clear power/submissive dynamic. The main aspect that bothered me was the whole misunderstanding of the feelings scenario. Now, I know it was probably necessary for the plot but I hate when the characters are saying something but everyone is misreading because they are not expressed straight forward. Also, Sasha was highly insecure (again necessary for the plot), but sometimes I just wanted to tell her to open up her ears and eyes. Jay, on the other hand, I enjoyed his character. He was strong, powerful, controlling but not overly so, and got things done.
The second half is about Matt and Marenah. Matt goes undercover to gather intel, but ends up captured by the Russian mafia. Jay helps get him back, but there is much they have to be careful about (this happens in Jay’s story). During the undercover ops, Jay falls in love with Sasha’s sister, Marenah. This is not a great idea for Matt, being in love with a mafia princess. This couple has many secrets that are unpacked throughout their romance. These secrets have proven deadly for many, but Matt will do anything for this new love, no matter what that means. Again these were great characters. Both are strong in their own right, as well as protective of others. I enjoyed their story a little more than Jay and Sasha’s. Overall, good read!!

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